What Measures is China Taking for Flood Control Amidst Typhoon Co-May?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- China's Ministry of Water Resources has activated a Level-IV emergency flood response.
- Regions affected include Shanghai, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Jiangxi.
- Typhoon Co-May is currently impacting the area with expected heavy rainfall.
- Authorities emphasize the importance of monitoring and early warnings.
- The Luanhe River is experiencing heightened water levels.
Beijing, July 28 (NationPress) The Ministry of Water Resources of China has initiated a Level-IV emergency flood response across four provincial regions: Shanghai, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Jiangxi, due to the impact of Typhoon Co-May, which is the eighth typhoon of this year.
From Monday through Saturday, heavy rainfall is anticipated in various locations, including Zhejiang, Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Jiangxi. Water levels in rivers and waterways surrounding Taihu Lake are expected to rise significantly, with some smaller rivers likely to surpass flood warning thresholds.
Simultaneously, a Level-IV response has also been activated in Xinjiang and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps due to flooding caused by snowmelt linked to sustained high temperatures. Flooding along the Tarim River and its tributaries is predicted to persist until mid-August.
Authorities are strongly advising the public to maintain vigilant monitoring of weather developments, issue early warnings, and reinforce flood control measures to protect lives and property.
China employs a four-tier emergency response framework, with Level I representing the most critical level, as reported by Xinhua.
The typhoon is forecasted to track northwest at a speed ranging from 15 to 20 km per hour, moving towards the eastern region of the East China Sea, and nearing the coastal areas of Zhejiang, while steadily gaining strength.
Previously, Typhoon Wipha, the seventh typhoon of the year, affected China, notably Hong Kong and Guangdong province, bringing fierce winds and heavy rains. This typhoon disrupted air travel, public transport, and daily activities in Hong Kong, resulting in hundreds of flight cancellations and transport service interruptions. The storm also caused flooding in vulnerable areas, trapping residents.
On Monday, water conservancy officials declared China's No.1 flood alert for major rivers in 2025, specifically for the Luanhe River, located in northern China's Haihe River Basin.
Due to the recent heavy rainfall, the Luanhe River has seen an increase in water levels, with the inflow rate at the Panjiakou Reservoir on the Luanhe River's main stream reaching 2,270 cubic metres per second at 4:30 a.m. on Monday, according to the Haihe River Water Conservancy Commission of the Ministry of Water Resources.